A father devastated after his son was killed by a hit-and-run driver will give talks to teenage drivers in a bid to prevent another tragedy.

A father devastated after his son was killed by a hit-and-run driver will give talks to teenage drivers in a bid to prevent another tragedy.

John Fisher has been asked by local police and anti-drugs organisations to talk to youngsters about the accident which claimed the life of his only son, George.

The 24-year-old was knocked down by Mark Featherstone as he enjoyed a night out with friends in Blyth in 2001. He was struck as he crossed Bridge Street in the town.

A police report later revealed Featherstone, 20, of Stead Street, Howdon, who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for four years, had cannabis in his bloodstream when he was picked up by officers.

Mr Fisher and his wife Celeste have backed our Justice for Rebecca campaign, calling for courts to have the power to give life sentences for drivers who kill, in the wake of six-year-old Rebecca Sawyer's death in Ashington at New Year.

Mr Fisher, 49, of South Beach, Blyth, said: "We go to the place where George died every Friday and sit there for an hour, and we still see the kids racing about.

"We knew it was only a matter of time before someone else was hurt on the same bit of road, so we weren't surprised when there was another accident earlier this month.

"These kids need to see the harm they can do to innocent people and themselves. Not only can they end up killing someone, like in my George's case, but they can end up in prison for years and their lives will be ruined.

"I'm hoping that when they see how my family's been torn apart by dangerous driving they'll think twice about getting in a car when they've been drinking or taking drugs. Anything I can do to stop another tragedy I will."

Last Monday a campaign was launched in the region to increase awareness of the penalties faced by people driving under the influence of drugs.

"Drivers need to know it's an offence with the same penalties as drink-driving - up to six months in prison, a &#xA3;5,000 fine and the loss of your driving licence. And a long prison sentence is likely when drug-driving causes death."